Three thirsty thieves have been caught on camera stealing from a central city gym in Christchurch.

The incident took place at Snap Fitness Christchurch CBD gym on Madras Street at about 1.20AM.

The offenders entered the facility and began shaking the vending machine forcing sports drinks to fall into the tray.

Unbeknownst to the thieves, they were being filmed by the gym’s security cameras.

One of the offenders even filmed the act on his cell phone while laughing.

The offenders were not members of the gym and managed to enter the facility after a member from another Snap Fitness gym let them in.

The gym owner expressed disappointment over the incident saying all gym members were respectful and decent people.

“It made me feel really sick actually, it’s an invasion of business. It makes us feel vulnerable.”

He said “the fact that they had the audacity to even use the equipment after stealing from me.”

He added that it was a real shame to see such behaviour taking place.

The manager reported the crime to the central police station and said police were impressed by the clarity of the footage.

“They may have been laughing while committing a crime, but I expect I’ll have the last laugh once they’re caught.”